February 19, 2024
You may be drawn to Cabarrus County, North Carolina for one of the many premier motorsports events that happen here in the spring. And in addition to the thrilling high-speed action, there’s even more to explore at the racetrack and beyond.
All five communities in the county are full of parks and trails just waiting to be explored. Along with beautiful weather, this area offers local farms with the freshest foods of the season. And weekends in the spring feature festivals to attend, baseball games where you can cheer on the home team, and plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline fix!
Experience the Races
With a pre-race concert and an awe-inspiring military salute, the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend is a signature motorsports event at Charlotte Motor Speedway each spring.
But another thrilling race rolls into town before the stock car stars strap in for 600 miles on the 1.5-mile oval — don’t miss the thunderous display of horsepower during the 2023 National Hot Rod Association’s Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway, April 26-28.
Hit the Trails
The Carolina Thread Trail connects 15 counties of the Carolinas. It brings several trails through Cabarrus County, including the Marvin Caldwell Park Trail, the Harold B. McEachern Greenway, Pharr Family Preserve Trail and more. Whether your preferred mode of moving is on two feet or two wheels, Cabarrus County offers trails to please all types of outdoor adventurers.
In addition to the Thread Trail network, find even more spots to hike, run and ride throughout Cabarrus County’s scenic parks, such as Rob Wallace Park and Harrisburg Park, and visit hidden gems like Brown Mill Mountain Bike Trail.
Sippin’ in Springtime
It’s hard to beat a spring afternoon at a winery with friends. Round up your crew and head to one of the beautiful Cabarrus wineries to sample varietals and find your favorites. You’ve got many settings to choose from — in Midland, there’s panoramic Rocky River Vineyards, which hosts an Annual Spring Festival each April, and in the heart of Downtown Concord, you’ll find Cellar Door Wine Shop located right on Union Street.
Enjoy Farm-Fresh Foods
Midland Farms in Midland offers a variety of products, from locally raised meats to cheeses to farm-fresh eggs. Get local raw honey at Honeysuckle Hill Bee Farm in Concord. (Bonus: Local honey may help alleviate springtime allergies, too.) Or you can shop for goat milk soaps at Cotton Bean Farms, where you might be able to bottle feed a goat or schedule a goat play date! The opportunity to buy local delights extends to farmers markets (including one year-round location) and small businesses that support local farms, such as Union Street Market.
Get Out to a Ballgame
Watch baseball in one of the best minor-league ballparks in the country. Head to Atrium Health Ballpark in downtown Kannapolis — voted 2022 Ballpark of the Year and the country’s best Low-A Minor League stadium in 2021 by Ballpark Digest— to watch the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers play. Opening Day is set for April 9, and the team plays over 60 home games through Sept. 1. Don’t forget the peanuts and Cracker Jack.
Take a Burger Break
If your sport of choice is eating, we have a competition with your name on it. Each March, Cabarrus Burger Madness showcases limited-edition burgers created by local chefs. All month, locally owned restaurants offer up their best burgers and you get to vote on your favorite. In the end, there’s one winning burger and plenty of full, happy voters across the county.
Get Festive
Along with must-see motorsports events, spring brings festival fun to Cabarrus County. For those who love barbecue, don’t miss Jiggy with the Piggy in Kannapolis in May. This annual festival features over 50 competition barbecue teams from across the U.S., a People’s Choice Pork Tasting event and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors. Admission is free, and you can also join a 5K walk/run, enjoy fireworks, see a free concert and more.
Book Your Trip
With all these springtime adventures waiting, all that’s left is booking your lodging. Use our list of places to stay and book your trip now!
